Universities need to be drivers of innovation: Jamir

Bhubaneswar: Universities today need to become drivers of innovation and students passing out from such institutions should work in collaboration with industry and government and do something on their own, Governor SC Jamir said here today.

Addressing the 47th convocation of Utkal University , he said that degree-holders should use their knowledge for the growth of nation and keep contributing for inclusive development of the society.

Srikumar Bannerjee, chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, an institution under the department of atomic energy, attended the event as chief guest.

“Utkal University has made an immense contribution for higher education and it is the responsibility of students, who are passing out from such institutions, to work for innovation and contribute towards development of the society and economy,” said Bannerjee.

Speaking on the occasion, Utkal University vice-chancellor Ashok Kumar Das said the varsity had played a big role and contributed a lot towards the Higher Education in the state.

Besides, Das laid emphasis on recruitment of teaching staff, setting up of an e-library, construction of three more hostels, renovation of the existing Parija library and adding new departments at the varsity.

The vice-chancellor, in his speech, asked students to work on virtual tutorial for the benefit of those who are staying in rural areas and opening Japanese study centers.

A second campus for the premier university was also discussed at the convocation, reports added.
Around 288 students received PhD degrees, 92 students were awarded gold medals and seven other persons were felicitated on the occasion.

Justice Basudev Panigrahi, economist and Professor emeritus, California University Prasanta Patnaik, Nalco chief managing director (CMD) Tapan Kumar Chand and noted biochemist Nimai Chandra Panda received honorary degrees (honoris causa).

Among others, University registrar Sushant Kumar Das, PG council chairman Ranjan Kumar Bal and CDC director Santosh Kumar Tripathy attended the convocation ceremony.